"Falling for the Empire" follows Elara, a woman thrust into a world of betrayal, power, and revenge. After a violent confrontation with the man who betrayed her family, Elara finds herself claiming the empire she never wanted but is destined to rule. As she navigates the treacherous waters of her newfound power, the lines between love, loyalty, and vengeance blur. With every move, she risks losing herself-but the empire demands a price. Will Elara embrace the darkness within, or will it consume her?
Chapter 1 The Wedding That Never Was
Elara Monroe had never believed in fairytales, not really-not after her father walked out, her mother broke down, and her ex-fiancé sold her secrets to the tabloids. But Adrian Cross had changed that.
Or so she thought.
The ivory silk of her designer gown clung tightly to her skin. The cathedral was full-press, celebrities, investors, everyone. This wasn't just a wedding. It was the wedding of the year.
But the groom was nowhere to be found.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she held the bouquet. Five minutes. Ten. Twenty. Then her maid of honor, Savannah Leigh, leaned in with too-smooth lips and whispered, "Maybe he realized you were never really enough."
Something in Elara cracked. But she didn't break. No tears. No begging. Just silence, sharp and cold.
She stepped away from the altar.
Murmurs filled the pews.
"Elara..."
"Is she leaving?"
"He didn't even show?"
She turned to the crowd and smiled. Poised. Regal. "Thank you all for coming. The wedding is canceled. Drinks are still on me."
Then she walked down the aisle-not toward a man, but toward her future.
Because if Adrian Cross could vanish without a word, then he wasn't a man worth loving.
---
One year later...
She stood at the rooftop bar of the Empire Lounge, staring out at the city skyline. Stronger. Smarter. Successful.
"Elara Monroe?" a voice behind her said.
She turned-and froze.
There he was.
Adrian Cross.
Alive.
Taller. Harder. Shadows beneath his eyes. A faint scar traced the line of his jaw.
"I came back for you," he said.
Before she could answer, a gunshot rang out-shattering the wine glass beside her.
Adrian grabbed her arm. "Get down!"